Dave's Fiery Front Page

Weather factors have conspired to delay the green chile harvest in New Mexico, according to grower Shayne Franzoy, who farms 200 acres near Hatch. "I think we're three weeks later this year," he said. Stephanie Walker, cooperative extension vegetable specialist noted that unusually cool weather this spring caused "a very slow start" for chile fields. "We won't hit full stride [in the harvest] until August 16," she said, noting that chile diseases have not been serious this year, including the dreaded curly top virus. Harvested chile acreage averages between 11,000 and 15,000 acres in New Mexico.